Natural Herbal Beauty

Ginger Tea

According to Ayurvedic medicine, ginger tea is excellent for stimulating agni, or digestive fire. At the same time, it reduces ama, or the accumulation of toxins in the digestive tract. Sip hot ginger tea after meals as a digestive aid. Ginger increases circulation and has antimicrobial properties, and is excellent for treating colds, flus and other respiratory problems, digestive ailments, and menstrual cramps. I drink ginger tea daily as a health tonic. (more…)

Sweet and Spicy Liver-Cleansing Tea

Dandelion, burdock, and Oregon grape root have bitter principles and are classic liver-cleansing herbs. Ginger and orange peel help to move stagnant energy in the liver. When simmered together, this makes a delicious tea that can be enjoyed daily during your cleansing program.

2 teaspoons dandelion root

2 teaspoons burdock root (more…)

Basil: Sweet, spicy scent. Basil is a potent stimulant that increases circulation and eases muscle and joint aches and pains. It alleviates indigestion, and has antiseptic and expectorant properties and helps to treat congestion, coughs, and colds. Basil is excellent for relieving fatigue and nervous tension. Do not use during pregnancy.

Cypress: Spicy, balsamlike scent. The diuretic action of cypress helps to relieve water retention and cellulite. It also improves circulation and is helpful for arthritis. (more…)

Minor stomach upsets with abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting affect most of us at some time. They can often be associated with food poisoning, an excess of rich food or too much alcohol; in such cases soothing herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow can bring relief. Other stomach upsets are linked to chills, when warming herbs such as chili and ginger can be useful.

For some, the problem can be stress related, with any increase in nervous tension or anxiety levels usually accompanied by digestive problems; relaxing carminatives can be useful in these cases. The wide range of herbal relaxants offers plenty of choice depending on individual need and tastes, but a good mixture for nervous tummies is:

• 2 parts chamomile flowers
• 2 parts lemon balm herb
• I part lavender flowers
• Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried mixed herbs per cup of boiling water, infuse for 5 minutes, strain and drink. (more…)
   

This spicy delight is a specific for nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, gas, stomach cramps, and abdominal spasms. It is a good digestive aid, helps keep the colon clean, and fights colitis and diverticulosis. Because it helps reduce congestion and can ease a sore throat, ginger is a pleasant way to fight off colds and flu and clear the respiratory system. On the distaff side, ginger relieves morning sickness, eases menstrual cramps, and reduces hot flashes.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Ginger is a low, spreading plant with heart-shaped leaves. It’s very much at home in moist rich soil and likes partial shade. In early spring, it bears purplish-brown flowers. The medicinal properties reside in the root. (more…)